The art of the apology

“Apologies require taking full responsibility. No half-truths, no partial admissions, no excuses, no rationalizations, no finger pointing, and no justifications belong in any apology.” ~Cathy Burnham Martin

I admire people who know how to apologize. Admitting an error takes courage, and is never a sign of weakness.

It might feel easier to preserve your dignity by kicking your mistakes under the rug and acting as if they never happened. Or blaming someone else. Or making excuses. But refusing to admit you screwed up comes across as arrogant or uncaring — and makes you look small. Worse yet, it could also damage a relationship beyond repair.

Apologizing requires maturity, class, and humility. Those who set aside their egos while offering a sincere apology are more likely to earn trust and respect than those who dodge responsibility for their actions. Whether you’re in love or in business, “I’m sorry” could be the most powerful phrase in your vocabulary. ~CL